JANUARY 25, 2025
Los Angeles, Calif. — The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and Glendale announced today a $100,000 donation from the East West Bank Foundation to expand childcare services for families and first responders affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles County. This funding will support LA Y centers in Pasadena, West Los Angeles (Collins & Katz Family YMCA), and the YMCA of Glendale. Additionally, East West Bank has pledged to support ongoing recovery efforts by engaging in volunteer activities alongside partner organizations in the months ahead.
This announcement builds on a successful Day of Service Recognizing Local Fire Stations on Saturday, where YMCA centers across Los Angeles County teamed up with California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, to organize food drives, distribute essential supplies, and support relief efforts. East West Bank associates actively participated by volunteering at the Pasadena YMCA’s distribution center and assisting with a food drive and donation event at the Glendale YMCA.
“As the Center of Community Well-Being, the LA Y is committed to serving our communities across the LA area, and our teams have been working around the clock since the fires began,” said Victor Dominguez, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, which oversees the Pasadena Sierra Madre and Collins & Katz YMCA centers. “Support from partners like the East West Bank Foundation is critical to our ability to continue to provide free childcare, extend our hours for distribution efforts, and meet the changing needs of those impacted by the wildfires.”
“The California Service Corps has been deployed to assist YMCAs throughout Los Angeles supporting families impacted by the devastating fires. Today’s efforts showcase the power of public-private partnerships in building resilience and delivering critical support where it’s needed most. To those who are safe and can help, we need you,” said Josh Fryday, Director of GO-Serve and California Chief Service Officer.
George Saikali, President and CEO of the Glendale YMCA, echoed this sentiment: “The YMCA has always been a beacon of hope for families in our community. This partnership with the East West Bank Foundation strengthens our ability to meet urgent needs in an impactful way. Together, we are working to expand childcare services and provide more temporary housing solutions for families throughout Los Angeles County.”
"Beyond our donation, our participation in today’s Day of Service alongside the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and the YMCA of Glendale is the beginning of a larger commitment to uplift communities impacted by the fires," said Travis Kiyota, President of the East West Bank Foundation. "As a company headquartered in Pasadena, we are dedicated to providing meaningful and lasting support through our volunteer efforts to help families and children rebuild and move forward with their lives."
Assemblymember Jessica Caloza, representing District 52—which includes South Glendale and Northeast Los Angeles—highlighted the power of community collaboration: “The YMCA’s unwavering dedication to supporting our community during challenging times is truly inspiring. Their partnership with organizations like the East West Bank Foundation and California Volunteers exemplifies the profound impact of working together to serve those in need.”
For more information about the YMCA and ways to support their initiatives, visit ymcala.org/actnow.